As I was restlessly scanning the TV for a show worth watching a while ago, I came across GMA 7’s Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho which featured peculiar food with “medicinal” value. One segment that sparked my curiosity was about “Yacon”.
I first heard the word or the rootcrop yacon from my father last week. . It looked liked an elongated sweet potato. He described its taste as sweet and turnip-like. My father raved about the tuber’s apparent “medical benefits” ranging from its being good for diabetics, regular bowel movement and arthritis. This is according to his friend who introduced yacon to him.
Immediately after viewing the Kapuso segment, I googled for the keyword yacon. These are the data I have gathered so far. Yacon is scientifically known as Smallanthus sonchifolius. In Ecuador it's called jíquima. In Peru and Bolivia it's known as llakuma. In the Philippines, the tuber is rarely known. According to one site, the plant was first brought into the country in 1998.
To my surprise, I found out that the plant is a distant relative of the sunflower family. All the while, I thought it was a variety of sweet potato or yam. Furthermore, another website describe that unlike the sunflower, yacon is not grown for its seeds but mostly for its edible roots, which is naturally sweet but low in calories. It can be eaten raw, just like a fruit. Some even claim that once the roots have been dried in the sun, they become sweeter.
Read Yacon’s Nutritional value and Medicinal value and be the judge:
It is recognized as a health food due to its nutritional and medicinal value. The yacon tuber contains 86-90% water and certain traces of phosphorus (22%), glucide (11.1%), protein (0.8%), fiber (0.6%), lipids (0.6%), and cellulose (0.5%). One yacon tuber is also complete in other essential elements such as iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, carotene, magnesium, and Vitamins A, B1, B2, and C.
Among the rootcrops, yacon has the lowest calorie content (54 cal). It is more than twice lower in calories than sweetpotato (123 cal) and relatively less than potato (77 cal), and taro (60 cal) This makes yacon a perfect nutritious diet food. Yacon is high in oligofructose (also called fructo-oligosaccharide), a dietary sugar which the human body is unable to metabolize, hence its potential use for diabetics and body weight control. Moreover, researchers found that an increased intake of oligofructose is associated with the improvement of gut health because of the stimulation of the beneficial bifidus bacteria in the colon.
Aside from its naturally nutritious content, yacon also provides a lot of medicinal benefits to those who suffer from diabetes, obesity, constipation, insomnia, arthritis, hypertension and kidney diseases, to name a few. Since yacon is not yet as popular as other rootcrops, findings and studies on its actual health benefits are limited. And like any supplementary food, yacon does not promise immediate results but as health food, its characteristics are meant not only to maintain good health but also to improve it.
Yacon is high in inulin, a fructose sugar, making it a sucrose-free food for the diabetics. It stores carbohydrates in the form of inulin and not in the form of starch, which is common in other rootcrops.
Yacon is also good for constipation due to its high fiber content that assists in digestion. The high moisture content in yacon also makes it a good blood purifier.
The leaves and roots of yacon can be both used for their medicinal value particularly for the diabetics. Both are rich in inulin which helps normalize the blood glucose. For the root to take its full healing effect, it must be first kept for 10 days before consuming it, so that it reaches its full level of sweetness. Then, simply peel it, cut into thin slices, and eat it raw. Its healing effect is initially noticeable within approximately 7-10 days.
Meanwhile, the leaves are best consumed after drying them naturally in the shade. The dried leaves are then cut into suitable sizes and boiled in water, just like a regular tea. Researchers recommend diabetics to drink at least two cups of this tea daily. After approximately 4-5 days, initial results are already noticeable.
The information is very promising especially for the diabetics and elderly. However, there are no clear human studies or findings that will substantiate the claims. Personally, I find the explanation and description of the plant plausible. If indeed the medicinal value of yacon is confirmed and sufficiently researched, this is a welcome development as it could create a new agricultural industry as well as a organic source of medicine.
Visit related sites:
About Yacon!
Yacon: The apple of the earth
Philippines Organic Yacon
Filed under Health, Medicine by Simon Francis Blaise.
I have never been a fan of bestsellers or blockbusters. I did not bother to watch the movie Titanic or even listen enthusiastically to pop songs (which are usually just one hit wonders). I do not see anything special about the hit TV series, C.S.I. that my wife ardently looks forward to watch every week.
For me, they are mere formulaic entertainment pieces. But what is entertaining about something predictable or pretending to be intellectually stimulating? I’d rather be watching dumb-feel good-farce/bone ticklers, at least they do not give you false hopes or expectations. WYSIWYG.
I’m not an elitist or nicky picky guy. I’m just not the one that joins the bandwagon.
Last year, I borrowed from Jomai the #1 New York Times Bestseller of 2003, The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. It was already a tattered book when I got it so I guess it was well read by the owner. To my knowledge, the book had great reviews despite its being controversial. Being the hard to impress cynic that I am, I put off reading and instead passed it to Wendy, my wife.
“Enthralling and a page turner!” My enthused wife (who loves reading fiction) exclaimed as she kept prodding me (I am more of a non-fiction reader) to skim over the book. Which I did after several months- to put to rest what the fuss is about and before the movie version starring Tom Hanks comes out (for an in-depth comparison and analysis perhaps?).
My verdict? The novel is an erudite read. The twist and turns of the chase and unfolding of the clues is captivating. As the code is slowly, interestingly and brilliantly deciphered, the reader is left in awe. I now understand why the book is polemical. Its being controversial is part of its appeal. Besides, religion is always as a subject, touchy. The interplay of fact and fiction rivets the reader to ponder and be part of the fast paced novel.
Judge the book by its cover? Well, it is as enigmatic as the face that graces the book’s cover: La Gioconda (The Mona Lisa)
Be reminded though that it’s just a novel. Read it with an open mind.
A side note: I came across the website that lets you solve the original Da Vinci Code web quest and the Uncover the Code game. Try it! I tried and finished both (except for the part that you have to call a U.S. number- anggapoy load!). It’s very challenging and mind churning. The movie version will be released this May 2006.
Filed under Book Review, Books, Readings by Simon Francis Blaise.
Whew!
I bet cellphone users (especially the heavy users) will welcome this information with jubilation and a big sigh of relief.
I did. (Whew!)
I use two mobile units - one for my Globe sim card and the other for either my Sun or Smart sim card. I always carry the cellphones in my pocket. If mobile phone usage increases cancer risk- I’d be toast! I’d not only get brain tumor but also on that part of my anatomy. Yikes!
A four-year study conducted by scientists at the Institute of Cancer Research in London and three British universities (Universities of Leeds, Manchester and Nottingham) found no link between regular, long-term use of cell phones and glioma (the most common type of brain tumor).
One scientist, Professor Patricia McKinney, of the University of Leeds, reported in the British Medical Journal that there is no raised risk of glioma associated with regular mobile phone use and no association with time since first use, lifetime years of use, cumulative hours of use, or number of calls.
According to another scientist and co-author of the report, Anthony Swerdlow of the Institute of Cancer Research, the study is larger than any of the other published studies as it involves 13 countries.
The said report debunks claims and unsubstantiated fears that cellphone usage is linked to a variety of effects including cancer risk.
Whew! (again)
Related Stories:
 
 
Filed under Health, Technology by Simon Francis Blaise.
No more alibis this time.
The match isn’t about who the better fighter is. It isn’t about who had the bigger heart and resolve. Pound for pound, Pacquiao and Morales are more or less evenly matched. This year’s first marquee match-up in boxing was a matter of pride and redemption. It was indeed a slugfest right from the first round. It was not just a battle of the brawn but also of the wits.
The better boxer did not win the fight. The better-prepared fighter did.
Pacquiao won because he had improved and learned from the mistakes of the first fight. He won because he added another dimension to his game. He won because he was able to adjust during the course of the fight. And “The Destroyer” won because Morales wasn’t able to keep up with his adjustments.
If there is a lesson to be learned from this, it is to understand that decision-making is itself a learning process. The value of what is being learned is as important as the actual process of learning. As knowledge continues to grow and evolve, access to what is needed at the point when it is needed is more important than what the learner currently possesses.
Pacquiao won not just because he learned and prepared for it, but he was able to use his experiential knowledge at the crucial point when it was needed.
The Philippines as a nation needed this victory. I hope we learn something from this.
Filed under Learning, Sports by Simon Francis Blaise.
The Call Center Industry
The call center industry has been dubbed as the country's latest sunshine industry.
In an article entitled “Call Centers To Generate More Jobs” (Tuesday, January 10, 2006), Labor and Employment Secretary Patricia A. Sto. Tomas exclaims that she sees bright prospects in employment in 2006 with the call center industry expected to expand and generate more jobs for the Filipino workers.
Farmout Central Intouch Inc.
At the forefront of this growing industry north of Manila, is Pangasinan-based Farmout Central Intouch Inc.
Incidentally, Farmout Central Intouch Inc, a call center in Pangasinan, is looking to hire at least 25 agents for a daytime campaign from 6:30am -5:00pm Mondays to Fridays.
The company prefers applicants who are at least in the college level, with pleasing personality, and with an above average command of both written and oral English. Interested parties are asked to call 515-8750 up to 52 and look for Arlene to set up your interview appointment. Applicants are advised to bring their resumes to the interview.
Qualities of a Call Center Agent
I believe that interested applicants will have a distinct advantage if they possess the specialized skills of a good call center agent as posted in the Labor Market Intelligence Report Issue No.16 of the TESDA. The required competencies are as follows:
* Demonstrable customer care orientation;
* Good communication and listening skills;
* Proficient in English, working knowledge of other languages would be an advantage;
* Must be computer literate particularly in Word processing and use of internet applications.
English proficiency
I know that English proficiency is very important in such line of work or industry, as the call center agents will be exposed to English speaking international clients (whether or not they are accent-neutral). Click to test your English proficiency.
There are a lot of online tips, handouts and exercises on grammar, spelling, and punctuation that may accessed through the use of Google search.
Fast and Accurate Typing Skill
Applicants should have a typing skill with 90% accuracy and typing speed of at least 35 words per minute.
Take the FREE Typing Test and measure your Typing speed and accuracy!
Listening Comprehension
Good listening comprehension skills is not just an advantage, it is a must! Take the English Listening Comprehension Quiz
To all the applicants: Good luck!
Filed under After Class by Simon Francis Blaise.
I am in the process of finishing a moodle for my students in Science Technology and Society at the University of Pangasinan…
What is Moodle?
Moodle is a course management system (CMS) - a free, open source software package designed using sound pedagogical principles, to help educators create effective online learning communities.
Moodle is a software package designed to help educators create quality online courses. Such e-learning systems are sometimes also called a Learning Management System (LMS), Course Management System (CMS), Virtual Learning Environments (VLE), education via computer-mediated communication (CMC) or just Online Education.
Moodle was originally an acronym for Martin's Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment, a definition mostly useful to programmers and education theorists. Later on Martin Dougiamas, the original developer after whose name the "M" in Moodle comes, changed the Acronym in Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment.
To moodle is also a verb of unknown origin and seldom use that describes the process of lazily meandering through something, doing things as it occurs to you to do them, an enjoyable tinkering that often leads to insight and creativity. As such it applies both to the way Moodle was developed, and to the way a student or teacher might approach studying or teaching an online course.
The Philosophy of Learning of Moodle: Social Constructionist Pedagogy
1. Constructivism
This point of view maintains that people actively construct new knowledge as they interact with their environment.
Everything you read, see, hear, feel, and touch is tested against your prior knowledge and if it is viable within your mental world, may form new knowledge you carry with you. Knowledge is strengthened if you can use it successfully in your wider environment. You are not just a memory bank passively absorbing information, nor can knowledge be "transmitted" to you just by reading something or listening to someone.
This is not to say you can't learn anything from reading a web page or watching a lecture, obviously you can, it's just pointing out that there is more interpretation going on than a transfer of information from one brain to another.
2. Constructionism
Constructionism asserts that learning is particularly effective when constructing something for others to experience. This can be anything from a spoken sentence or an internet posting, to more complex artifacts like a painting, a house or a software package.
For example, you might read this page several times and still forget it by tomorrow - but if you were to try and explain these ideas to someone else in your own words, or produce a slideshow that explained these concepts, then I can guarantee you'd have a better understanding that is more integrated into your own ideas. This is why people take notes during lectures, even if they never read the notes again.
3. Social Constructivism
This extends the above ideas into a social group constructing things for one another, collaboratively creating a small culture of shared artifacts with shared meanings. When one is immersed within a culture like this, one is learning all the time about how to be a part of that culture, on many levels.
A very simple example is an object like a cup. The object can be used for many things, but its shape does suggest some "knowledge" about carrying liquids. A more complex example is an online course - not only do the "shapes" of the software tools indicate certain things about the way online courses should work, but the activities and texts produced within the group as a whole will help shape how each person behaves within that group.
4. Connected and Separate
This idea looks deeper into the motivations of individuals within a discussion. Separate behaviour is when someone tries to remain 'objective' and 'factual', and tends to defend their own ideas using logic to find holes in their opponent's ideas. Connected behaviour is a more empathic approach that accepts subjectivity, trying to listen and ask questions in an effort to understand the other point of view. Constructed behaviour is when a person is sensitive to both of these approaches and is able to choose either of them as appropriate to the current situation.
In general, a healthy amount of connected behavior within a learning community is a very powerful stimulant for learning, not only bringing people closer together but promoting deeper reflection and re-examination of their existing beliefs.
The 'teacher' can change from being 'the source of knowledge' to being a facilitator and role model of class culture, connecting with students in a personal way that addresses their own learning needs, and moderating discussions and activities in a way that collectively leads students towards the learning goals of the class.
http://www.upang.edu.ph/moodle/
Filed under E-Learning by Simon Francis Blaise.
Why blackboard?
A blackboard can mean two things:
1. A blackboard (and similar color based names for the same thing) is a reusable writing surface on which text or drawings are made with chalk or other erasable markers. A chalkboard can simply be a piece of board painted with matte dark paint (usually dark green or black). It is usually dark green as this is less harsh on the eyes than black. A more modern variation consists of a coiled sheet of plastic drawn across two parallel rollers, which can be scrolled to create additional writing space while saving what has been written.
2. A blackboard system in computer science is composed of an area of shared memory, referred to as the blackboard, that contains a problem to be solved and a number of different processes, referred to as knowledge sources, that can access and modify the blackboard. Each knowledge source will post a partial solution whenever doing so can contribute to the overall solution of the problem. These partial solutions cause other knowledge sources to update their portions of the solution on the blackboard until eventually an answer is found.
Same word.
Different technology.
One purpose: to facilitate the teaching-learning process.
Blackboard is conceptualized as a venue where the author can share his insights and at the same time acquire knowledge from others through intellectual discussions.
Filed under Rationale by Simon Francis Blaise.
This is my first blog entry.
What a day to start something if you’re the superstitious kind. Of all days, why today? Why a Friday the 13th?
I say, why not?
A simply query through the Google website regarding the fear of Friday the 13th (Paraskevidekatriaphobia) led me to sites citing its origin- from the Bible, Norse mythology, French History, and urban legends.
Friday, the sixth day of the week and the number 13 (thirteen) both have foreboding notoriety of said to date from time immemorial. Friday the 13th’s inevitable conjunction from one to three times a year portends more misfortune than some credulous minds can bear.
Friday bears its origin from the Anglo-Saxon frīgedaeg; from Old High German Frīa, a goddess; Old English daeg, "day"). The day was held sacred to Venus, the goddess of love, by the Romans, who called it dies veneris ("day of Venus"). In the Romance languages the name of the day is derived from the Latin, as in the French vendredi, the Italian venerdì, and the Spanish viernes. Germanic peoples held the day sacred to the Norse goddess of love, Frigg, or Frija.
Read more
Filed under First Day of School by Simon Francis Blaise.
|
|
